April 28 2024 Board Meeting Via Zoom
Meeting was called to order via conference call by Co-Chair Ron Green at 11:00 a.m. Board members present were Ron Green, Paul Bergren, Barb Schmitz, Gary Perkins, Charlie Lick and Katie Johnson. Excused absences were granted to Kathy Peterson, Lance Bauman and Kevin Smith.
Clearwater Forest Camp
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.
Clearwater Forest Camp
- Camp graciously agreed to host the annual Lake Homeowner’s Meeting on May 25 from 9-11. Will request Camp provide Homeowners with an update on planned camp activities for the season and discuss opportunities for Lake Homeowners to participate (volunteer activities, establish an ice cream social, etc.) and to sponsor scholarships. Confirmed Saturday, July 13 will be the Adventure-a-Thon with pig roast, live music, silent auction and other activities. All Clearwater Lake homeowners are welcome to attend. More details will be shared at annual meeting and emailed in advance of the event.
- Gary discussed Camp scholarship matching grant program and clarified donation levels we should strive for in this year’s campaign. Will recap all of this at annual meeting.
- Gary coordinated with Lance, Director of Site and Operations for the Camp, for a volunteer day Saturday, May 18 to help with spring clean-up activities, trail clearing, etc. Lake Board will send email to all Lake Homeowners with details and sign-up instructions.
- Barb Schmitz, Treasurer, reported there is about $35,000 in the treasury. Barb and Gary to prepare 2024 budget.
- Board discussed outside contractor expenses for 2024 based on our Lake Health Calendar. Planned activities for this year include:
- Aquatic plant and water quality surveys. Barb to obtain proposals/quotations for these surveys (combine as one survey vs two separate surveys).
- Boat launch monitoring: in early April, Board discussed and approved expense of about $1,200 to add additional inspection hours to the County’s boat launch monitoring program.
- Charlie reported our Limnologist consultant, James Johnson, recommended we consider testing our milfoil with a lab that can genetically identify if the milfoil is hybrid or Eurasian. Charlie to get quote on testing expense and Board to discuss this summer.
- Ron reported he met with a local independent contractor re: monitoring and clearing debris/obstructions from dam to culvert under CR8. Pricing: $70 per visit with $40-100 for removal of debris/obstructions. Board unanimously approved moving forward with contractor for two visits in May then one visit per month June – Sept. Board will assess effectiveness of program in the fall to determine program continuation and visit frequency.
- Ron presented lake water levels for 2023 and 2024 YTD and compared to Ordinary High Water and historical average. Water levels seem to be slightly higher than normal but will continue to monitor and record each month. Will discuss water levels during annual meeting and get Homeowner input.
- Discussed local happenings that should be shared with Lake Homeowners including new Deerwood Farmers Market and 100-year anniversary of Milford Mine accident, MN’s largest mine disaster. Will present details during annual meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.
May Board Email Discussions and Decisions
• Discussed contributing $1,000 to the 2nd annual Clearwater Forest Fest/Adventure-A-Thon, a July 13th event for the community to experience the camp with live entertainment, food, etc. All Board members agreed to sponsor event.
• Discussed conducting monthly water quality testing via A.W. Research Lab in Brainerd. Testing is monthly May – Sept for $289. Ron agreed to manage testing and driving water samples to lab for testing. All Board members agreed to this expense
• Discussed conducting monthly water quality testing via A.W. Research Lab in Brainerd. Testing is monthly May – Sept for $289. Ron agreed to manage testing and driving water samples to lab for testing. All Board members agreed to this expense